Girihandu Seya, Buddhist temple in Thiriyai, Sri Lanka
Girihandu Seya is a Buddhist temple situated on a hilltop in the Trincomalee area, featuring a central stupa enclosed within a circular stone structure. The complex contains stone pillars arranged in concentric patterns that define the sacred space around the shrine.
According to tradition, the temple was founded by two merchants named Trapusa and Bahalika, who built the first Buddhist stupa on the island. Stone inscriptions at the site document this ancient period and connections to early rulers.
The temple draws Buddhist pilgrims from across Sri Lanka who come to meditate and practice at this sacred location. It remains an important place of worship and spiritual connection for devotees visiting the site.
To reach the temple complex, visitors must climb stone steps; visiting in the early morning allows for comfortable exploration of the grounds. Wearing appropriate clothing is important, and one should allow enough time for the climb.
Sanskrit inscriptions near the temple date to the reign of King Silamegha and represent a rare connection to ancient writing systems. These stone carvings document an early phase of Buddhist record-keeping on the island.
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